amakwerekwere: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/RegionalInformal, Slang, Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “amakwerekwere” mean?
A derogatory South African slang term for foreigners, particularly African immigrants from other African countries.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A derogatory South African slang term for foreigners, particularly African immigrants from other African countries.
Often used pejoratively to refer to outsiders or foreign nationals, especially those from other African nations. It carries strong xenophobic connotations, implying perceived foreignness, otherness, and sometimes inferiority.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is not part of standard British or American English lexicon. It is a regional South Africanism.
Connotations
In British/American contexts, if encountered, it would be recognized as a specific, highly offensive South African xenophobic slur.
Frequency
Effectively zero frequency in British or American English outside discussions of South African society or xenophobia.
Grammar
How to Use “amakwerekwere” in a Sentence
[Subject] called/targeted/referred to [Object] as amakwerekwere.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amakwerekwere” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of amakwerekwere-bashing.
American English
- Politicians have been criticized for amakwerekwere rhetoric.
adverb
British English
- The term was used amakwerekwere-style to incite hatred.
American English
- He spoke amakwerekwere-derogatorily about the new arrivals.
adjective
British English
- The amakwerekwere stereotype is harmful.
American English
- They faced amakwerekwere prejudice in the community.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unacceptable and not used.
Academic
Only appears in sociological, linguistic, or African studies contexts discussing xenophobia and migration.
Everyday
Highly offensive slang in its specific regional context (South Africa). Should be avoided.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amakwerekwere”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amakwerekwere”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amakwerekwere”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'immigrant' or 'foreigner'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a regional South African slang term that is not part of standard British or American English.
Absolutely not. It is a highly offensive and derogatory slur with strong xenophobic connotations.
It is considered to be onomatopoeic, imitating the sound of speech perceived as foreign or unintelligible, and emerged in post-apartheid South Africa.
Use neutral terms like 'foreign nationals', 'immigrants', 'migrants', or simply 'people from other countries'. Context and specificity ('Zimbabwean immigrants', 'asylum seekers') are always better.
A derogatory South African slang term for foreigners, particularly African immigrants from other African countries.
Amakwerekwere is usually informal, slang, pejorative in register.
Amakwerekwere: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɑːməkwɛrɪˈkwɛrɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑməkwɛrɪˈkwɛrɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be labeled amakwerekwere.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
None recommended due to offensive nature. Awareness of the term is for recognition and avoidance.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOREIGNERS ARE INCOMPREHENSIBLE NOISE (based on the word's onomatopoeic origin, mimicking unintelligible foreign speech).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the term 'amakwerekwere'?